BREAKING: Note-worthy winners of Limerick Persons of the Year 2025 announced

ST JOHN'S Brass and Reed Band has been named Limerick Persons of the Year 2025 at a ceremony in the Clayton Hotel this Friday afternoon.

The award acknowledged an extraordinary 160 years of music-making in Limerick city, providing intergenerational mentorship, and promoting civic pride.

Founded in 1865 as The Victuallers Band by Limerick’s butchers’ guild, the band has become one of Ireland’s oldest community bands. The band continues to perform regularly at civic events, including Limerick’s annual International Band Championship and St Patrick’s Day parades, maintaining its place at the heart of Limerick’s musical life.

READ MORE: Details around Ryder Cup ticket sales timeline emerge as accommodation options open up

St John’s Brass and Reed Band Chairperson, Tony McCarthy dedicated the award to members past and present, saying:

“We’re absolutely shocked to be honest about it. There were so many worthy recipients throughout the year on a monthly basis and we honestly didn’t think we’d be getting awarded Limerick Persons of the Year. Last year we celebrated our 160th anniversary and we are a band in development, we’re going from strength to strength. This reward is a recognition of the present members and past member who have all played their part in the development of St John’s Brass and Reed Band.”

Noel McCormack, Secretary of St John’s Brass and Reed Band, added:

“Music is a collective to achieve an outcome. Part and parcel of our constitution is outreach to the community. We look forward to new young members coming in. Age doesn’t matter, interest is what counts. Music is synonymous with Limerick. The shock and surprise for me was to be mentioned in the company that we were in here today.”

Limerick celebrated an extraordinary year of achievement, community spirit and resilience through the Limerick Persons of the Month awards. Across 2025, twelve monthly winners were recognised for their outstanding contributions to local life in fields spanning the arts, sport, healthcare, charity, heritage, and personal courage.

St John’s Brass and Reed Band were awarded Limerick Persons of the Month for May 2025 following their celebration of their 160 year milestone.

Mick and Valerie Dolan, the duo behind Limerick’s internationally renowned live music institution Dolan’s Warehouse, have been celebrated with a lifetime achievement award in recognition of their longstanding contribution to the city’s cultural and entertainment landscape.

Aine Fitzgerald, Limerick Leader, Dave O'Hora, Southern Media, Special Guest Pat Shortt and Elaine Ryan, Clayton Hotel Limerick, were pictured presenting Mick and Valerie Dolan with a lifetime achievement award at the Limerick Person of the Year Awards at The Clayton Hotel, Limerick     Picture: Marie Keating

The couple operate Dolan’s, the much-loved traditional Irish pub on the Dock Road, which also encompasses a restaurant and three vibrant performance spaces Beyond their Dock Road venues, they have played a major role in bringing large-scale live music experiences to iconic Limerick locations, including the Milk Market, King John’s Castle, and the Limerick Docklands.

Valerie Dolan, speaking at the awards ceremony in the Clayton Hotel, said she was "overwhelmed".

“What I'm so happy with today is the amount of nominees for this award for Person of the Year. So many of them are part of the arts and the culture community, which is a fantastic thing. 

“We've worked with so many of them, probably all of them, and it's always been a pleasure, and it's fantastic to see so many people into one room that are, are interested in the arts and culture in Limerick.”

Valerie added: “If people keep you afloat, keep you going, come in for the pint, come in when they know that things aren't great, it means such a lot to us.” 

Mick Dolan said: ”We’ve had a great journey from start to finish… and it's evolved because we've been supported by Limerick.

“To get this award for something that you love doing is fantastic for us. And thanks to the kids who are absolutely fantastic who will be the next lot taking off after us… We just love what we're doing, and we're going to keep doing it.”

Mayor of Limerick, John Moran said:

“The Limerick Person of the Year awards give all of us a chance to reflect on what truly defines so many of the wonderful qualities that make Limerick people who we are and what gives us that different kind of energy to anywhere else. I think this event as a whole sums up the skill, dedication and talent that shapes our communities every day, from Abbeyfeale to Askeaton, from Clarina to Caherdavin and from Dooradoyle to Dromcollogher. We are lucky enough in Limerick to have many thousands of people making a difference across every sector. It is vital that we take the time to recognise and celebrate these contributions. My heartfelt congratulations go to the St. John’s Brass and Reed Band and all other worthy nominees.”

Aine Fitzgerald, managing editor, Limerick Leader said: “The Limerick Leader is incredibly proud to sponsor the Limerick Person of the Year Awards, which celebrate the remarkable people and groups who make our city and county such a special place.

"These awards shine a light on the positive stories that define our region and remind us of the extraordinary achievements happening in Limerick every day. It is a privilege for the Limerick Leader to support an initiative that recognises and celebrates the people who make Limerick what it is."

David O’Hora, Managing Director of Southern Marketing Design and Media, said they were delighted to continue their sponsorship of the awards and added: “I say this every year, but it is worth repeating. These people did not enter a competition. They were nominated. Each of them has done remarkable things in their own way and the winner is chosen as a representative of all that the nominees have accomplished.

“I also welcome the opportunity to recognise the contribution that Mick and Valerie Dolan have made to cultural life in Limerick. They are deserving recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award.”

Elaine Ryan, Sales and Marketing Manager, Clayton Hotel, Limerick stated: “Clayton Hotel Limerick is delighted to sponsor the Limerick Person of the Year Awards each year since its inception. This event is steeped in goodwill and celebrates the incredible people in our community who do amazing things every day."

“We are immensely proud to play a part in recognising and honouring these individuals. The awards are a highlight in our calendar each year, and we hope they will continue to be for many years to come.”

The Limerick Person of the Year Awards are an annual event highlighting those who have made a meaningful impact across areas such as sport, culture, business and community life.

Recipients are selected from a series of monthly award winners, with the overall Person or Persons of the Year chosen as a representative of the collective achievements and values demonstrated throughout the year. The awards are not based on open competition but on nominations that reflect dedication, leadership and service to the wider community.

The awards are organised by the Limerick Leader in association with media agency Southern and are supported by Limerick City and County Council. They are jointly sponsored by the Limerick Leader, Southern, and the Clayton Hotel Limerick, where the annual ceremony traditionally takes place.

More to follow...